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Definition:
"Bismarck" is a term used to describe the head of the German Empire, particularly during World War I and World War II, for its role as Germany's military and political leader. In this context, it refers to the charismatic figure who became an icon in Western Europe during both wars.
Example Sentence:
In 1935, when Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, he introduced "bismarckism" into political discourse, often used metaphorically to describe his leadership style as a strict dictator. The phrase is often associated with the idea that under bismarck's rule, Germany became more militaristic and aggressive in its foreign policy decisions.
Shocking Example:
In 1934, the Nazis declared war on Poland, threatening to destroy the city of Warsaw if Poland didn't back down. When German troops invaded the Polish city, they used "bismarckian" tactics - including mass executions, torture and humiliation - as part of their strategy to maintain control over the region.
Interestingly, bismarck's philosophy is also reflected in Hitler's own leadership style - he famously referred to himself as a "bismarck" when addressing foreign leaders. This was a play on his own nickname for Germany - "Bismarck," which means "king of Berlin."
These terms are often used by political figures and scholars alike, creating a humorous or unsettling contrast between the pragmatic and authoritarian